The Matlock Illuminations with their gaily lit boat parade take place every Autumn in Derbyshire. Dating back to Victorian times, they are a delightful old fashioned family entertainment.
I recently saw a poster which asked: Wasn’t life simpler when apple and blackberry were just fruits? I think it had a point. A life before selfies, Facebook and i phones. The Matlock Illuminations echo back to the days of wholesome family entertainment and no one can fail to be charmed by the gaily lit boat parade.
Matlock Bath was called ‘Little Switzerland’ by Lord Byron though the Derbyshire spa resort started life quite simply in the 1690’s with just a stone trough containing 68° water. Its scenic grandeur, nestled beside the river with soaring crags above and the reputed healing qualities of its water had made it very fashionable by the 18th century.
Queen Victoria’s visits to the town in 1832 and 1844 further increased its fame and to celebrate her diamond jubilee the Illuminations and the Venetian Nights were born. These predated the more famous lights of Blackpool and today are still on a very much smaller, more intimate scale but are arguably much more charming for it. However, the real attraction is the parade of brightly lit ‘Venetian’ boats which are decorated in various themes.
In Victorian times, the boats were lit by candles and though nowadays the boats are fully electric, the festival has survived the decades largely unscathed. It takes place every weekend in September and October, with a firework display on Saturdays.
The event focuses on Derwent Gardens where you can find a colorful array of food and drink stalls as well as fairground attractions. The aura of expectancy builds up as darkness falls until finally the boat parade begins: in homage to its origins, the first boat is candlelit.
This year ten boats took part. The popular vote went to ‘Herbie the VW Beetle’ with his spinning wheels and lifting bonnet. The designer of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ was competing for his 44th year though he was pipped by the rather macabre ‘Frankenstein Returns’ designer in his 48th year!
My favorite was the model of ‘Dambusters on the Derwent’, depicting a Lancaster in flight over the walls of the Ladybower reservoir – the pilots practiced their famous raid on the Ruhr dams over this lovely local landmark.
Transport was a popular motif, with the very Red Arrows and a train engine and this jolly assortment of boats meandered slowly up and down the river, their lights casting a myriad of reflections in the water. They were clever, they were amusing and totally totally enchanting: don’t miss it!
The 2018, 121st, event runs until 28th October. Tickets are £7.50 (Saturday) or £6.50 (Sunday) with under 16’s free – buy online until 6 pm on the day for a £1.50 discount.
